All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
So what do you pack when you wont have full access to your kitchen fridge that night?
Yagi-Studio/Getty Images
Last summerI backpacked 1,000 milesand ate everything from ramen packets to Snickers bars to fresh ravioli.
Stove fuel.Your local outdoors store (REI, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops) will have this.
I suggest asking a salesperson to guide you in the right direction.
I have anOlicamp XTS Pot.
A utensil to eat with.I prefer a long-handled spork likethis one from Valtcan.
I bring a lighter and a small flint.
Waterproof matches (likethese ones from Zippo) are another strong option.
But tasty as they might be, most experienced backpackers wouldnt recommend them.
Youll also have to carry the empties around until you get home.
Instead, most beginner backpackers gravitate toward ready-made backpacker meals likeMountain HouseandBackpackers Pantry.
Some companies have started creating organic and preservative-free options, likeMary Janes FarmsandGood to Go.
They tend to be a little more expensive, though.
And then, there are seasoned backpackers who steer clear of these packaged meals altogether.
She finds that they taste like mud.
Not stoked about dehydrated meals?
Ive happily packed leftover pizza, fresh ravioli and pesto sauce, and fruits like grapes and oranges.
Just be sure to prepare them in advance, chopping and removing peels as necessary.
attempt to pack different flavor profiles, like salt, sweet, savory, and even sour.
One thing the professionals I spoke to agreed on is that youre going to cravecarbs.
Youre going to be pushing yourself pretty hard, and carbs are our bodies preferred source of fuel.
Many hikers swear by sour gummy worms.
Mayhew says that while she loves mixed nuts at home, she cant stand them on the trail.
You want to have too much food than too little, she says.
You just dont know whats going to happen.
You want to have the extra resources.
My big mistake when I hiked with my friends was not doing enough research on the trail.
My friend had described it as a leisurely walk along the river, which Id prepared for.
Instead, we ended up climbing 6 miles to a mountain pass, gaining 4,000 feet in elevation.
Needless to say, I was ravenously hungry and short on food.
Both can be awesome tripsas long as youve got the food to fuel them.
Take all of your packaging off at home and repackage in Ziplock baggies, Braaten recommends.
Personally, I used them all the time on the trail last summer.
When youre just starting out, covering the basics is enough.
That might mean delicious meals that you cook from scratch, or it could be a baguette and cheese.
The most important part is that you get out there and get started.
And hiking too, I suppose.
